Let’s Talk About the Toxic Workplace
You wake up at 5:45 a.m., hit “snooze,” and groan deep down to your toes. Even after two cups of coffee, a hot shower, and a quick breakfast, you still dread logging into your computer to start the day’s work. It’s not just today. You’ve been feeling like this for months. When will things improve?
We can probably all relate to this scenario. Not all of us have found our career purpose and total career fulfillment. Most of us strive to move in that direction, but there are days when we feel disgruntled, lethargic, and unmotivated about work.
We all go through phases when work isn’t enjoyable. In this scenario, we can’t discern if you’re simply unhappy in general or if your environment at work is moving you toward anxiety and depression.
One thing is clear, though: if you wake up dreading every single moment at work, something needs to change.
What’s the Difference Between a Toxic Workplace and One You Simply Don’t Enjoy?
What are the recognizable traits, and what causes a workplace to go toxic?
How to Identify a Toxic Workplace
Defining “toxic workplace” isn’t as simple as it seems. Let’s consider multiple definitions:
- A toxic workplace feels psychologically unsafe.
- It is characterized by significant interpersonal conflicts.
- It is one where negative behaviors are intrinsic to the culture of the organization, leading to adverse outcomes for the whole organization.
Understanding the telltale signs of a toxic workplace can help you identify one (and avoid aligning yourself with one).
Toxic Workplace Traits
Here are some characteristics of a toxic workplace environment.
First, note that every employer goes through difficult times. They may make a poor hiring decision by bringing difficult people into the mix or experience challenges when implementing big changes to programs, processes, and people management.
However, everyday difficulties aren’t the same as toxic workplace environments due to three key factors:
- The majority of the employees in a toxic workplace feel psychologically unsafe.
- Toxic behaviors and traits become intrinsic to the workplace, not just occasional incidents.
- If you’ve tried multiple remedies to address your concerns to no avail, your workplace may be truly toxic.
If you see a pattern of several of these traits, you’re probably in a toxic workplace environment:
- Low morale
- Lack of enthusiasm, motivation, or positive energy
- Unclear workplace roles
- Miscommunication or lack of communication
- Chronic stress or high levels of stress
- Employee burnout and high attrition rate
- Unprofessional interactions, including gossip, drama, yelling, passive-aggressive comments, bickering, and backstabbing
- Poor leadership (micromanagement, absentee leaders)
- Unrealistic and unfair expectations of employees
- Exclusion of others professionally or personally
- A flurry of activity with a lack of actual progress or productivity
Sound familiar?
If your workplace environment feels psychologically unsafe, or you experience at least half these red flags regularly and feel intimidated about addressing the issues, you’re probably in a toxic workplace.
The Roots of a Toxic Workplace
We know what a toxic workplace looks and feels like. But how does a workplace become toxic? What are the root causes of toxicity?
Experts and researchers have identified the following root causes of a toxic workplace:
- Personal greed
- Poor leadership
- Leaders who fail to assess their own role in problems
- Power struggles
- Poorly designed jobs and unclear roles
- Ego, manifested as insecurity or excessive pride
- Unhealthy leaders or employees
- Fear of retaliation
- Misguided workplace beliefs
- Exclusion and intolerance
- Incivility
- Selfish attitudes and behaviors
- Lack of value, respect, recognition, and consideration of others
- Ostrich syndrome (refusal to acknowledge or address conflict)
Some of these root causes stem from interactions with others and group dynamics. Workplaces that emphasize individual contributions over organizational goals, mission, and values tend toward toxicity.
However, as you may have noticed, most causes start with individuals (whether leaders or employees). This is why each person in a workplace must take personal responsibility to regularly assess their attitudes, behavior patterns, and professional relationships.
What to Do if You’re Stuck in a Toxic Workplace?
After reviewing the definition of a toxic workplace, learning about its traits, and gaining insight into the root causes of toxicity, you may have recognized that you’re working in a toxic environment yourself. Now what?
For many, the solution is to leave. The MIT Sloan Management Review found that a “toxic corporate culture is by far the strongest predictor of industry-adjusted attrition and is ten times more important than compensation in predicting turnover.” That statistic, along with many others, indicates that we all want to work in healthy environments, and we’re willing to start over again with a new job search if necessary in order to find a healthier environment.
If you’re stuck in a toxic workplace, leaving might be the best option. Before you leave, though, be sure to take stock of your options:
- Assess your own role in any conflicts or ongoing problems. Ask others for their perspective to understand how you may be contributing to the situation.
- Be willing to own up to your part of the problem.
- Consider talking to your manager or a human resources leader about how you’re feeling.
- Ponder potential solutions. Before meeting with HR or your manager, think of possible solutions to resolve the issues.
- Don’t neglect your responsibility to report major violations of rights, workplace retaliation, abusive leaders, and harassment. Even if your report does not lead to immediate consequences for the culprits, speaking up may help others do the same or give them the courage to leave the toxic workplace environment.
Moving Forward
Toxic workplaces can drain your energy, impact your mental health, and stall your career growth. Recognizing the signs and understanding the causes can help you make informed decisions about your future.
Whether you choose to address the issues, set boundaries, or leave for a better opportunity, prioritizing your well-being is essential. No job is worth compromising your health and happiness.
